Man arrested, charged with sexual assault

January 23, 2013

PARKERSBURG - A Mineral Wells man was arrested on a sexual assault charge by the Wood County Sheriff's Office's Detective Bureau around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Jason Dean Alfstad, 37, of 376 Dublin Drive, Mineral Wells, was arrested and charged with third-degree sexual assault after an investigation by the sheriff's office. According to police records, Alfstad made contact with a 12-year-old girl through Facebook.

Police said he made arrangements to pick up the child in Washington County on Jan. 11 and transported her back to his home in Mineral Wells. At his residence on Dublin Drive, Alfstad allegedly provided the juvenile with alcohol and they engaged in sexual intercourse, police said.

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The incident was reported to police by the victim's family, officials said.

Wood County Chief Deputy Shawn Graham said the arrest was made Tuesday afternoon on Seventh Street near the Kroger in Parkersburg. Deputies said they are continuing the investigation and looking into further evidence.

"We're taking this case very seriously," said Graham. "We are looking into potential charges and our investigation continues."

Alfstad appeared in front of Wood County Magistrate Joyce Purkey Tuesday afternoon, where his bond was set at $125,000. Graham said officials thought the bond amount would be enough to hold the suspect, but he posted the bail and was released.

A preliminary hearing will take place in magistrate court in the next 10 days, Graham said.